Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast: 9th place
Prior to the Snapper event, as has been the case for the last couple of years, Slater’s Brett Favre-like see-saw of whether to stay on tour or retire was determined early. Kelly had this to say about chasing ten: “I’m comfortable with 9 (ASP World Titles), but yeah, 10 has a certain allure to it.”

Parko, Mick, and Kelly started the year out as the top three contenders for the 2010 World Title. Photo courtesy ASP/Scholtz
Kelly got knocked out in Round 4 against Jordy Smith and took home a 9th. Not the way the 9-time champ wants to start off the year, but a top 10 finish is good for most. Little did we know that he’d be fighting back against Jordy all year long. But Kelly did rack in this 9.27 before bowing out (below):
On to the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach on the next page.
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